Bike Patrol

The Columbus Police Department Bike Patrol Unit was established in the early 90’s. This is a specialty unit that primarily utilizes specially designed bicycles to allow for patrolling under special circumstances.

Special Functions
We work parades, high crime areas, routine patrol, traffic and criminal law enforcement, bike rodeos and give general bike safety talks.

Goals
In the past two years, the bike patrol has touched every street in the Columbus Police Department’s jurisdiction. “We tend to be a whole lot more approachable than the officer’s sitting in the big patrol car. When we want to be seen, we can be seen. But when we want to be hard to spot, we can be.” It is this unit’s goal to educate children and adults on bike safety and be more approachable to all citizens.

Training
To patrol on bikes, CPD officers learn about low and high speed biking, road hazards, obstacle clearing, how to avoid common crashes and how to make rolling apprehensions. On a typical day, officers may ride an average of 30 to 50 miles.

Safety
CPD bicycle patrol officers practice the ABC quick-check before hitting the road. It’s easy:
A – Air: tire pressure up? (Look for the right pressure on the side of the tire)
B – Brakes: firm grip, secure pads?
C – Crank: turning smoothly?
These same steps can be utilized by any person about to ride a bicycle. This is just a small sample of some of the things that the bike patrol can teach to the community.